The Captain-General’s Sword for Outstanding Leadership in the Rank of Captain

Introduction

Funds are allocated annually towards an award to one Regular Force and one Reserve Force Captain, each of whom demonstrates outstanding leadership that has a positive effect on The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery. The trophy is an RCA Pattern Sword gifted by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2021 as part of the sesquicentennial of the founding of A and B Batteries. The names of the recipients are inscribed on plaques as part of the sword display case and each is given a certificate signed by Colonel Commandant, Regt Col and RSM RCA in recognition of their leadership abilities along with a mini sword that they can keep.

Eligibility

Open to all substantive Captains of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery, as well as all Captains of other trades/branches serving within units of The Royal Regiment during the assessment period.

Criteria

The Award is for the individual whose performance has demonstrated, over the period of the assessment year, outstanding leadership, emphasizing the example set, the gaining of the respect of his or her subordinates, peers and superiors, and the positive effect on The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery. Factors that should be considered in the selection include competence, confidence, courage, fitness, integrity, military achievement, self-improvement, education advancement, and loyal and dedicated service to The Royal Regiment. To be eligible, candidates must also be capable of deployment and be substantive in the rank of Captain.

Procedures

The assessment period will be from 1 April to 31 March annually.

Within units of the Royal Regiment, nominations may be made by any individual and forwarded through the unit chain of command. Within other sections/units, submission may be made through the senior Gunners in the region/area.

Nominations for the Award shall be made by a written narrative composed for readers who are unfamiliar with the member. The narrative must concentrate on highlighting the accomplishments of exceptional leadership and conspicuous merit displayed by the Captain. The narrative shall be a maximum of one page with a font of Times New Roman, 11 point. The use of obscure acronyms and terminology should be avoided. Submissions must be signed by a LCol or higher using the nomination form and all submissions are to be forwarded directly to the Regt Adjt no later than 1 April.

RHQ will forward all submissions electronically, less personal and unit identifying information, to the RCA H&A Committee who will make recommendations for both the Regular and Reserve Force. These recommendations will then be submitted to the Regimental Colonel for approval.

The nomination form is available here.

The recipients of the Award will be announced on 26 May of each year. The presentations will occur at a later date by the Colonel Commandant or appropriate senior RCA leadership.

Home units of the recipients will forward the member’s photo to the Regt Adjt and to the Adjutant RCAS to be posted for the year in close proximity of the trophy.

Recipients

2022

Regular Force:

Captain Thomas McCarthy 2 RCHA: In recognition of outstanding leadership as a Captain by which they gained the respect of their subordinates, peers, and superiors; set a commendable example for others; contributed notably to the well-being of their unit; and added further lustre to the proud reputation of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery.  Judged against nominees from across the Regular Force component of The Royal Regiment, Captain McCarthy has been selected on the basis of dedication, competence, confidence, courage, integrity, physical fitness, military achievement, and professional  self-improvement.  Their performance as a FOO and as BK of two sub-units has been outstanding and serves as a definite example for their peers.

Army Reserve:

Captain Philippe Maurier 62e RAC: In recognition of outstanding leadership as a Captain by which they gained the respect of their subordinates, peers, and superiors; set a commendable example for others; contributed notably to the well-being of their unit; and added further lustre to the proud reputation of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery.  Judged against nominees from across the Reserve Force component of The Royal Regiment, Captain Maurier has been selected on the basis of dedication, competence, confidence, courage, integrity, physical fitness, military achievement, and professional  self-improvement.  Captain Maurier’s high standard of leadership, dedication, and commitment sets the example for all to follow.

2021

Regular Force:

Captain Michael Wolsht of 1 RCHA: Capt Wolscht’s outstanding leadership, dedication and professionalism enabled the RCA Public Duties Contingent success and proved to be fundamental to the successful deployment and exceptional performance of the Gunners in a pandemic, delivering strategic effects internationally for The RCA.

Army Reserve:

Captain Marie-Ève Cotton-Dumouchel of 20 Fd Regt, RCA: Capt Cotton-Dumouchel’s outstanding professionalism and technical knowledge enabled 20 Fd Regt’s success during field training exercises and in garrison and was instrumental in ensuring effective management of administration within the Vaccine Roll-out Task Force HQ, delivering strategic effects both for the CAF and in support of the whole of government effort to immunize Canadians during a global pandemic.